Valium withdrawal signs

First signs of Valium withdrawal include stomach cramps, sweating, and tremors. How long will symptoms last and what treatments are available? We review here.

4
minute read

Signs of Valium withdrawal

When do you withdraw from Valium?  Sign of Valium (diazepam) withdrawal appear after your body develops physical dependency on Valium. Dependency may develop because:

  1. you have been taking Valium for an extended timeyou have have been abusing valium
  2. you are possibly addicted to Valium

Whichever the case, you will start to notice signs of Valium withdrawal 3 to 4 hours after the last dose of Valium has worn off. You will then continue to experience withdrawal in different severity for several weeks. Overall Valium withdrawal can take 6-8 weeks for signs to truly diminish and resolve themselves.

The severity of signs of Valium withdrawal depends on the individual and includes several factors: level of use, duration of use, and individual physical and mental health states, Because Valium is a benzodiazepine post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is also possible. This means that as Valium withdrawal signs start to go away, they can recur weeks later. These signs may be hard to connect to withdrawal because you have no Valium in the system.  What is withdrawal from Valium like?  Signs of Valium withdrawal include:

  • body tremors
  • depression
  • digestive issues
  • increased heart rate/blood pressure
  • irritability anxiety
  • numb limbs
  • seizures
  • sleeping complications
  • stomach craps
  • sweats

These are typical signs that you are experiencing withdrawal from diazepam. Seizures are possible and a more serious sign of Valium withdrawal and may occur in cases of heavy dosing or sudden cold turkey Valium withdrawal. Other signs that are directly related to Valium withdrawal include increased heart rate, sweats, cramping and tremors.

First signs of Valium withdrawal

The first signs of Valium withdrawal that you may experience can show up long before you even decided to stop taking Valium or before a doctor has worked with tinkering your doses for whatever reason. Basically, if you miss a dose or suddenly stop taking Valium signs to look out for include:

  • abdominal muscle cramps
  • tremors
  • sweats
  • vomiting

These are the signs you can expect that let you know your body needs Valium to function normally and are indicators of physical dependence on diazepam. These withdrawal signs are typically present in the first 24-48 hours of withdrawal from Valium. While withdrawal can be uncomfortable, there are ways you can help and treat Valium withdrawal symptoms.

Early signs of Valium withdrawal

The early phase of Valium withdrawal is usually defined as 48 hour to about 2 weeks after last dose. Vomiting, tremors, and the chills should wear off in the first days after you stop taking Valium. But you will still feel worn out and you may start to notice the acute presence of psychological symptoms and signs of diazepam withdrawal.  One of the biggest signs of withdrawal during this time includes insomnia. You may have a really hard time being on a regular sleeping schedule, falling asleep, or staying asleep.  Other early signs of Valium withdrawal may include:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • irritably

Late signs of Valium withdrawal

Valium is a benzodiazepine, a class of drugs known to provoke protracted withdrawal symptoms. After a couple of weeks into Valium withdrawal, your body will probably feel much better. Your sleep will most likely regulate and your body will no longer feel the aches and pains present during the acute, intense withdrawal period. However, suddenly signs of withdrawal will appear again. This can be frustrating. It may also be hard to pinpoint, since at this point you have probably not been using Valium for an extended period of time. If you notice protracted signs of Valium withdrawal then talk to you doctor. Protracted withdrawal can make the general withdrawal process longer. And depending on the method and way you approach Valium detox, treatment method may change the total time you spend withdrawing from Valium.

Signs and symptoms of Valium withdrawal treatment

If you’re considering quitting Valium, talk to your doctor before doing a withdrawal on your own. Benzodiazepine scan be dangerous and doctors can help you figure out a plan and recommend treatments best suited for withdrawal.  In general, there are many ways to treat your signs and symptoms of Valium withdrawal. One procedure that doctors recommend is dose tapering before stopping completely. The point of a taper is to decrease diazepam intake slowly over time. This way, signs of withdrawal don’t manifest as intensely or severely when you stop taking Valium for good. In essence, your body can regulate and function normally without ever having to experience severe symptoms of withdrawal. This process of tapering is recommended in general for people who are no longer in need of Valium or need to stop taking Valium.

Detox is also another recommended treatment for signs of Valium withdrawal. Detox is a medically supervised clinic during which you are monitored 24-7 as you withdraw. Detox is helpful for people who have been abusing Valium or have an addiction to Valium, or for those who fear relapse. Signs and symptoms of Valium withdrawal happen but supporting medications and emotional are more likely to help prevent a return to Valium.

You can treat the actual withdrawal signs and symptoms of Valium withdrawal using pharmacological, behavioral, and natural treatments. There are medications such as Propranolol, antidepressants and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics that help address mood, pain, anxiety that your doctor can prescribe. Several natural treatments may be lying around your home or available at your local pharmacy that can be effective in treating withdrawal.

Valium Withdrawal signs questions

Still have questions about Valium withdrawal? We will get to them as soon as we can. Please leave your questions, comments and experience with Valium below.

Reference Sources: NCBI: The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome and its management 
Daily Med: Diazepam Oral Solution
NCBI: Benzodiazepine tolerance, dependency, and withdrawal syndromes and interactions with fluoroquinolone antimicrobials
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
I am ready to call
i Who Answers?